Haute wheels
Inline skates have gotten sleeker, judging from the looks of Rollerblade’s new Crossfire 8.0 for men and Activa 8.0 for women, both $249. The skates have three 100mm wheels and one 90mm wheel under the ball of the foot, which lowers the center of gravity for what the product’s designers say is a grounded, more secure skating experience and a more powerful leg extension during strides. The skates have an aluminum frame with a memoryfoam liner and no-lace closure system. At Sports Authority; other stores at .
Pack mentality
The right backpack can help make a day trip or weekend trek more fun and comfortable. Among some new styles from Eddie Bauer that caught our eye are the lightweight Trailhead day pack, $49.50, which has such features as a shoulder-strap pocket that holds an MP3 player, mesh pockets for water bottles and bungee loops for items like trekking poles. The larger, rugged Versatrex, left, $89, left, has generous storage space, a hydration system slip pocket, audio pocket, hip belt and bottom zip compartment for shoes or wet garments.
Another great thing to have in your pack is the company’s Survival Kit, $19.50, a lidded polycarbonate bottle stuffed with a whistle, flashlight and batteries, emergency blanket, rain poncho, waterproof matches, multipurpose knife with tools, first aid kit and carabiner. More details at
If your dad is looking to improve his golf game, instead of buying yet another box of balls, get him a copy of “Fit to A Tee: The Ultimate Endurance, Strength & Flexibility System for Golfers of Every Ability,” by Edward Jackowski (Sterling Publishing, $17.95), a fully illustrated guide offering fitness, nutrition and game improvement advice. The exercises — illustrated in both sketches and photos — offer routines for golfers of all ages and levels of expertise. A bonus is that the book comes with an exercise DVD featuring professional instructors offering tips on gaining power, increasing range of motion and hitting the ball farther.
